UN Ocean Conference 2025
Thank you for joining us at the Third UN Ocean Conference in Nice. UNOC was such an important moment for the Mercator Ocean community, bringing together participants from around the world to advance Ocean science and action !
From June 2–13, 2025, Mercator Ocean International took part in the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice, France, reaffirming its commitment to SDG 14: “Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources.”
One of the key outcomes, highlighted in the Nice Commitments for the Ocean, was the signing of the international treaty establishing the intergovernmental organization “Mercator International Centre for the Ocean,” supported by 12 European States, with Norway and France as the first signatories. This new organization, resulting from the transformation of Mercator Ocean International, will design, develop, and operate world-class ocean digital systems—including marine physics, biogeochemistry, and ecosystem dynamics—to provide reliable digital information services for its Member States. It will also support them through research and development, advanced digital systems, and the co-development of a Digital Twin of the Ocean.
Mercator Ocean International was coordinating the European Digital Pavilion, organized by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space (DG DEFIS) in partnership with DG Research and Innovation (DG RTD), DG Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (DG MARE), and DG International Partnerships (DG INTPA), with Mercator Ocean as the implementation partner.
Read the Nice Commitments for the Ocean.
To celebrate three decades of pioneering operational oceanography and digital Ocean systems, Mercator Ocean brought together the vibrant community of shareholders, partners, friends, and staff for a special 30th anniversary event.
Our Priorities at UNOC
At UNOC, Mercator Ocean focused on these key challenges:
Governance
Formalizing the accession of Member States to the future Intergovernmental Organization (IGO) by signing its convention.
Infrastructure
Highlighting the European Digital Twin Ocean as a decision-making tool supporting the future EU Ocean Pact and advancing global Ocean prediction.
Community
Announcing cooperation agreements with the international Ocean Prediction community.
The European Digital Ocean Pavilion
What Happened There
Designed and implemented by Mercator Ocean on behalf of the European Union, the European Digital Ocean Pavilion :
- Presented the EU’s flagship programs, missions, and operational services in the field of oceanography.
- Promoted the EU voice on international Ocean governance.
- Provided a dynamic space for the EU and international Ocean community.
INSPIRE:
Daily dive into TED-X sessions on marine biodiversity, marine pollution, rising sea levels, ocean warming, and coastal challenges in the morning. In the afternoon, discovery of the European Commission’s role and contributions to international governance.
DECIDE:
An immersive experience of the Digital Ocean : real-time ocean conditions and predictive scenarios using the European Digital Twin Ocean to see how digital tools support concrete actions for a sustainable Ocean.
ENGAGE:
An immersive journey through digital and sensory experiences. Ocean challenges, monitoring technologies, and the Ocean value chain presented in an accessible way to gain a comprehensive understanding of the state of the Ocean.
MERCATOR OCEAN EVENTS AT UNOC
June 6-7: Météo & Climat Forum
A collective reflection on communicating the impacts of climate change in the Ocean.
June 8: Opening of the Pavilion and Official Delegations
Welcoming delegations to the European Digital Ocean Pavilion.
June 9: Official Ceremony - A new intergovernmental organization for digital Ocean systems and information services
10:30-11:45 (Blue Zone): The event will celebrate the international IGO Convention now proposed for signature by the Copernicus Participating States, culminating in a Declaration of continued commitment by all States involved in the process.
Learn more about the IGO event
June 9: The Digital Twin Ocean supporting the EU Ocean Pact
16:00-16:30: Discussions and official launch with the EU Commission surrounding the progress and objectives of the upcoming EU Ocean Pact.
June 9: Copernicus Marine Service 10 year Anniversary
16:30-18:45: Join us for the celebration of the 10-year milestone of the Copernicus Marine Service. A real-time demonstration will showcase the service’s operational capabilities and user-friendly tools.
June 11: Mercator Ocean International 30 years Anniversary
Celebrating 30 years of innovation from operational to digital oceanograpphy
Press Releases & Resources
For a follow-up of our main announcements at UNOC, do not hesitate to reach out !
Press contact:
For media inquiries, please contact press@mercator-ocean.fr or Laurence Collet at lcollet@mercator-ocean.fr